This thread is targeted towards users who are wanting to share compiled CFW forks or firmware patches or wondering why they can't find particular files.
Also, please exercise caution with anything you download from the Internet as seen in this Discussion thread.
Also, please exercise caution with anything you download from the Internet as seen in this Discussion thread.
What can't be shared?Why aren't they shared?What can be shared?Tips & Tricks
- The following are examples of copyright content that can't be shared here. It's not exhaustive and may be updated in future.
Commercial NSP files These are dumps of Nintendo Switch eShop games, updates, or DLC. XCI files These are cartridge dumps of commercial Nintendo Switch games. Titlekeys Titlekeys are 32-character strings that decrypt software Nintendo devices download from their CDN servers. These can only be obtained from purchased content. Masterkeys Also 32-character strings similar to Titlekeys, however these decrypt all content stored on the console. Different revisions of master keys are added during certain system updates hence why some games need a certain firmware to run. Pre-patched or unpatched Nintendo files* These are sometimes found in CFW downloads. An example is a folder titled 0100000000000033 containing a file called "main" of around 300-420kb (the Nintendo ES binary), and any file called FS_something.kip1 that is over a megabyte. If more common ones crop up, they shall be added to this thread. Nintendo firmware files These belong to Nintendo, including patched ones. Unlike Sony, they are not regularly distributed. Certificates Console and cartridge certificates are usually around 2kB in size, with a file extension of ".cert" or ".pem" Cracked SX OS A crack of SX OS is fine, but not the whole OS plus a crack. DevMenu Nintendo's copyrighted developer software that can perform a multitude of functions. It was leaked from a developer unit. SDK Tools used to build games for that respective system. These are given to developers and are under an NDA meaning they are not allowed to be distributed. This includes anything made by directly using them such as Homebrew NSPs. BCAT files System save files downloaded for specific titles from Nintendo. Since these can only be downloaded from Nintendo such as firmware files, these cannot be distributed
This explains why the unofficial builds of ReiNX as well as Hekate/Atmosphere with signature patches were pulled. Basically, they have a folder titled "0100000000000033" that contains a main file which is an ES (Eticket Service) patched version of 4.X and 5.X. meaning they no longer check for valid tickets for installed .NSP files. While the patches alone would have sufficed, these are pre-patched parts of the official Nintendo Switch firmware which is considered copyrighted content. Also, any FS_XXX.kip within a "sysmodules" folder is considered a copyright violation as well as these pre-patched parts of the Nintendo Switch firmware as well. Typically, these are used for preventing cartridge slots from being updated or to add exFAT support. While Choidujour is used to generate these, the distribution of such files are not allowed for the reason as noted above. If you see any of these types of files being hosted on GBAtemp, report it immediately.
Reading the GBAtemp Terms & Rules explains that copyrighted content cannot be shared on the site. This includes video game dumps, media distribution, and software that is only available through payment. This content is protected by copyright, and the copyright owners could decide to go after sites that host it or link to it. As seen in Scene News recently, Nintendo is particularly aggressive on this front. GBAtemp would rather not be the target of any such action.
But why? Its legal in most, if not all, places to make backups of stuff you own. And there are plenty of sites dedicated to the collection of these "warez" such as websites, torrents, and cloud storage. Well, without delving into the morality of why such things are not allowed, the law is clear on one thing at least: copyrighted content.
In the most strict definition of copyright, it refers to the fundamental right any author has to their work. Essentially, once someone creates something, they are protected by the law towards its ownership and distribution. Whether it is a properly licensed video game cartridge to a software that utilizes licensed code, anything and everything can be copyrighted without any additional steps. Any rules set forth by its distribution must be adhered to otherwise you are at risk of committing a copyright violation. And copyright violations can turn into lawsuits. And lawsuits can turn into...you get the picture now. But even without it becoming a lawsuit, it is very clear that a copyright violation is against the law so reputable sites that want to maintain their standing must adhere to the law, no matter how silly or outdated it is (because copyright lasts 75 years in the USA).- GBAtemp is home to a hacking community that loves to take apart whatever devices they can get their hands on. This section is merely to round out the discussion so people understand why certain things are allowed here.
Homebrew NSP files Unlike other .NSP files, these will be not encrypted with Nintendo's RSA key meaning they cannot be installed without a patch to the firmware allowing them to be installed. Emulators Programs designed to mimic certain devices, namely video game systems including both handheld and console. They are usually made from the ground up and don't contain copyrighted code as source code used in consoles they emulate are considered copyrighted. Backup Launchers These are designed to mimic the way games are played except these are launched on the console itself rather than from your computer. They are technically designed to play games you have backups for. Dumping Tools These tools are designed to dump whatever you desire from your device/cartridge. This traditionally includes cartridge, eShop, and firmware dumps. CFW/Signature Patches They are either an amalgamation of patches designed to be applied on top of a pre-existing firmware or replace the firmware entirely. As long as the patches that are applied stay within your system, there are no copyright violations being committed. Crack of SX OS This would be a patch to SX OS which is readily available. While this may not be fully legal as this is a crack of a free software with a paid license, GBATemp does not usually enforce this.
Despite the strict rules in place, they do not cover everything (whether by accident or on purpose) so you will some members abusing this "Gray Area" to get what they want without violating the rules. This section is designed to help not just those who are looking for ways to find things but to those who want to help others without getting a warning or two.
- "Never Ask" The rules forbid people from asking where to look for warez. Although you may notice not all posts asking for help are removed (mods are human too), don't expect yours to receive the same treatment. Also, do not resort to PM as the rules pertain to both public threads as well as private messaging. Instead, try to be as nonchalant as possible and/or indicate a little frustration in your search. Somebody might then notice and point you in the right direction without disobeying any rules.
- "Give Hints" This one is more easily avoidable as direct links to warez are not allowed but hints/advice are not outright forbidden. Whether it is in the form of a Google search or a casual nod to a certain reddit subforum, these are usually not considered violations of GBAtemp's rules.
- "Search Smarter" If you don't want to take the risk of asking for help here, have no idea where else to ask, or are simply frustrated from Google not cooperating, there are some terms you can use to help you find what you are looking for. For one, searching the names of scene releases usually lead you to places where they are shared. As an example, head to a place such as www.nswdb.com. Under releasename is the name of the file that you are looking for so typing this into a search engine should guide you to the right place (and nswdb.com is GBAtemp approved).
- "Keys Please" Another item most people are actively searching for are the keys. However, this may not be easy as not all places have the full set of keys needed for programs such as hactool. However, you can dump the keys from your own Switch. Kezplez automates the process for you by dumping the master keys directly to you. This software does not violate GBAtemp's rules so please feel free to use it to verify you have the right keys or generate your own set!
People who have managed to locate certain warez sites often provide nicknames and/or poke fun at those who are less aware of their existence. Since you cannot directly share links and site names to such places, this is a list of possible alternatives. A good idea would be to combine one of more of the keywords from the following phrases with the suggestion from "Search Smarter" under the Tips & Tricks tab
- Dark Place
- The Shepherd
- Warez**
- maxconsole
- "Console" Iso
- Down Under
- Kicking Ass
- The Pirate Sea
- Black Umbrella
- x-b-i-n-s
- "Never Ask" The rules forbid people from asking where to look for warez. Although you may notice not all posts asking for help are removed (mods are human too), don't expect yours to receive the same treatment. Also, do not resort to PM as the rules pertain to both public threads as well as private messaging. Instead, try to be as nonchalant as possible and/or indicate a little frustration in your search. Somebody might then notice and point you in the right direction without disobeying any rules.
And remember, people are allowed to freely discuss piracy as long as they don't link to or upload copyright content, or name sites, in too obvious a way, where copyright content can be had. If you have any information not contained in this thread, please feel free to comment so the thread can be updated.[/td][/tr][td][/td]
Last edited by Draxzelex,
